Speed limit cut at accident blackspot

An accident blackspot in Herefordshire will see its speed limit cut from 60mph to 40mph on a trial basis.

The A465/B4348 staggered crossroads at Locks Garage, southwest of Hereford, will have the new limit in place for at least a year, Herefordshire Council said.

Once the 12 months are over, a decision will be made on whether the "experimental" move will become permanent or not.

The council said despite trying numerous low-cost safety interventions to help influence driver behaviours, the junction was "one of the most prolific road traffic collision sites on the county road network over many years".

A petition by a local resident to limit speeds at the junction has gained 775 signatures since July.

However, records show there were nine vehicle collisions that caused injury - including one fatality - between January 2020 and May this year.

A consultation carried out into the plans received no objections.

The council said it would "closely'' monitor the effectiveness of the new measures.

A total of £7,000 will be spent on implementing the new limit, including the now-completed consultation.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.